Sumo wrestling draws crowd in Brazil

Juan Castro, left, a heavy weight champion from Venezuela, and Mario Frabetti, an open champion from Brazil, face each other before a match during the Sumo wrestling South American Championship in Sao Paulo, Brazil on July 22, 2012.

EDITOR’S NOTE: NBC News received these images on July 26.

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Sumo wrestlers fall outside the ring during the Sumo wrestling South American Championship on July 22.

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Cassio Gomes of Brazil throws a handful of salt into the ring during the Sumo wrestling South American Championship on July 22.

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Luciana Watanabe (top) of Brazil, a light weight female champion, and her opponent perform a pre-match ritual during the Sumo wrestling South American Championship on July 22.